How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for California Hot Chicken Salad?

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 cups cooked diced chicken, 2 cups thinly sliced celery, 1/2 cup slivered salted almond, 1/4 cup pimiento, cut in narrow strips, and more.

Is California Hot Chicken Salad suitable as salads?

Yes, California Hot Chicken Salad falls under the Salads category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover California Hot Chicken Salad?

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

California Hot Chicken Salad Recipe

Name: California Hot Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked diced chicken; 2 cups thinly sliced celery; 1/2 cup slivered salted almond; 1/4 cup pimiento, cut in narrow strips; 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons grated onions; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup crushed potato chips; 1/2 cup grated American cheese; sugar, if needed, to taste

Fresh, crisp and full of flavor — this California Hot Chicken Salad is a must-try. Made with chicken, celery, almond and pimiento. Easy step-by-step ins…

This California Hot Chicken Salad relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as cooked diced chicken, thinly sliced celery, slivered salted almond and mayonnaise. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 1109 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It works as a light main on its own or as a starter alongside crusty bread, and it's just as good for a cozy night in as it is for feeding a crowd. Leftovers keep well, so it's a smart choice for meal prep too.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Salads

1109

kcal

Calories

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

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California Hot Chicken Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

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